While back east, I was lucky enough to get an hour with long time hot-shot Vermont skier Jann Neumann to chat. Here is what she had to say about her favorite weekend stomping grounds.
| Name: | Jann Neumann |
| Age: | 25 |
| Favorite Area: | Mad River Glen |
| Skis: | Rossignol Viper 9.9 |
| Boots: | Lange XR9 (nice and stiff) |
| Favorite Food: | Pasta, any kind.. it's all about the sauce. mmmhhh... |
| Years Riding: | 21 |
| What she's doing when she isn't on the hill: | Doing the 9-5 Social Worker gig in New York City. |
|
Best ski/board
area? |
Definitely
Sugarbush. Two main reasons. The first being that of versatility.
The second being Castle Rock at Sugarbush South. It is an old-school
hard core area. Back in the day they had no snowmaking there, and
as a result it earned a reputation of providing the best terrain and
conditions for the advanced rider. (Jann is an advanced rider, FYI) |
What area has the best Beginner Terrain? |
Sorry
to scare you off with the hard-core stuff Dave, thought you could
handle it.... Anyway, I'd have to go with Mt. Snow. |
How about intermediate terrain? |
Either
Mt. Snow or Stratton. Mt. Snow is a great all around intermediate
mountain with big wide open trails. Stratton boasts longer runs. |
Advanced? |
Sugarbush
or Mad River Glen for their Glades and steep technical pitches. Maybe
even Killington because of its variety and size, however I don't recommend
it for the family, too easy to get lost. |
Best place to ski out of bounds? |
You
would ask me that question wouldn't you... I wouldn't do it in Vermont.
I once ended up in someone's backyard outside MRG and had to hitchhike
back to the mtn. |
| Best nightlife? | Killington, hands down. They definitely cater to the single crowd. |
| Best Pizza? |
Tony's. It's by Mt. Snow. (It must be good coming from a New Yorker) |
Best time of year? |
The Fall is insane, beautiful foliage and it's still warm. Winter is classic, clean and quiet. Mud season sucks. Summer is nice too. Vermont is a year round getaway for me. I love it. |
| Best
resort for location to NYC? |
Mt. Snow or Stratton. At Mt. Snow you can enjoy the Haystack option which is a great locals gem of a ski area. Stratton however has its village and proximity to Manchester. Great for the whole family and friends who may not ski or board. (Like some of mine, who would rather go shopping..) |
| Best terrain park? | I don't go there, but I'd have to say Stratton because it's always on TV |
| Best
on snow events? |
X-Games because they are like a mini Olympics every year. The snowmobile-X thing is my favorite, those guys are nuts. Probably even crazier than you Dave. ha ha.. |
| Best
family area? |
Stratton if you got $ to spend. Okemo is better for the younger family though. Okemo also has an amazing golf course for summer fun. I played it last year and loved it. |
| Best
for teens? |
I can't remember, that was to long ago for me. (Laughing) I'd say Stratton though because of the village. |
Best Spring Break area? |
Killington. |
| Favorite Dive Bar? | Dover Bar & Grill in West Dover, VT. Near Mt. Snow. |
| Consistently who has the best snow conditions? | I'd say any of the northern VT mountains. But, especially Sugarbush. |
| Easiest area to sneak onto the lifts? | Everyone has been so tight lately. I deal with the ticket checker stalker type all the time. If I had to pick an area I'd go with MRG, it's just such a chill area. Be careful though..Not worth getting caught. |
Thanks Jann, stay out of trouble and have a great season.
-Dave Mesicek ~2/20/02 ~